JEFFTRAN seeks $2.3 million in federal funds to soften impact of pandemic

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Jefferson City Transit Division director Mark Mehmert said Wednesday he's filing an application for the department to collect $2.3 million in federal funds meant to help cover expenses accrued from the COVID-19 crisis.

The money is distributed by the Federal Transit Administration through the Missouri Department of Transportation as part of the relief package passed by Congress in March. It will cover expenses, lost revenue and paid leave dating back to Jan 20.

"The dollars can be used for anything that's consistent with our Section 5307 grant, but it will be used to fill gaps for the most part," Mehmert said.

JEFFTRAN suspended fares for fixed routes on March 19, creating a revenue shortfall that the federal aid will help cover.

Mehmert said it's unclear when the money will arrive but he's confident it will be a matter of days.

MoDOT also approved $27.9 million for OATS transit, a bus service that operations in 87 Missouri counties.